AARP’s 2026 holiday shopping and scams survey found that 84% of respondents reported being targeted by scammers or experiencing at least one common type of fraud.
ANR Market Research Consultants surveyed 1,801 U.S. adults age 18 and older who use the internet and shop during the holiday season. Interviews were conducted by landline, cellphone and online between June 22 and July 3, 2026.
The scams included fake online ads, fraudulent shipping messages, fake toll payment texts, fraudulent gift cards and deceptive donation requests, AARP said.
“Criminals don’t take a break during the holidays,” said Kathy Stokes, senior director of fraud prevention programs at AARP, in a news release. “They take advantage of the increased shopping, travel and charitable giving that come with the season. Knowing the warning signs can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Other survey findings:
- 47% of adults said they made a purchase after seeing an online ad, and 39% said they have experienced fraud after doing so
- 47% received a fake shipping alert and 44% received a text about a fake toll payment in the past year
- 71% of consumers plan to buy a gift card to give as a present this season, but 35% have given or received a gift card with no balance
- 31% said they received a donation request that appeared fake or suspicious
- 30% said they have had a package stolen from outside their home
“Fraud and scams continue to impact almost every aspect of life, and it’s important for people to know how to spot fake online ads and recognize when a text or online request for money is not real,” Stokes said. “We also need stronger consumer protections to help keep people safe and keep pace with the constantly evolving tactics used by criminals.”
AARP offers free scam prevention resources at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. The site includes fraud alerts, prevention tips and AARP’s podcast, “The Perfect Scam.”
